Merlin 502 in a 69
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 16
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From: San Mateo CA
Merlin 502 in a 69
What would have to be done to drop a Merlin 502 into a 69 vette? My 427 motor needs alot of work and while I'm having it redone, I'm considering putting in a Hi-Po 502. I can always keep the original motor on a stand and put it back in when or if I ever sell the car. Here in Ca my 69 is emission exempt and I'm looking for a project. The sounds like a blast. I know it will be expensive, I just wonder about the ease of the installation.
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From: Corsicana, Tx
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Re: Merlin 502 in a 69 (69427-02Zo6)
If you use the Merlin version you will be much better off. First off, it's an absolutely killer block as compared to the 502 GM version. The 502 is a fine piece but the Merlin is better.
Plus the Merlin will allow a mechanical fuel pump and has the bosses for clutch linkage that the GM block doesn't.
The Merlin should be a bolt in!
Jim
Plus the Merlin will allow a mechanical fuel pump and has the bosses for clutch linkage that the GM block doesn't.
The Merlin should be a bolt in!
Jim
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,847
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From: Tampa FL
Re: Merlin 502 in a 69 (427Hotrod)
Most of the Merlin kits I've seen come in either a 509 or 540 configuration. Not that you couldn't make a 502, but the cost is about the same for the 540. Might as well go for the bigger cubes. Just a thought...
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 16
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From: San Mateo CA
Re: Merlin 502 in a 69 (Merlin522)
Thanks for the info- Will the bell housing, engine mounts etc all bolt up without problems? How about the clutch? How about cooling,radiator etc. I've not done this before and just want to get an idea of what I'd be getting ito.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,148
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From: Roxbury NJ
Re: Merlin 502 in a 69 (Merlin522)
502's have a smaller 4.47" bore. Merlin II's have a 4.5" bore, so you get 509 with the same crank (4" stroke). If you put a 4.25" crank in the Merlin, you get a 540! I'm thinking about buying the Merlin as well.
Hey Merlin (the guy, not the engine!), how did you get to 522? 509 with an overbore?
-Joe
Hey Merlin (the guy, not the engine!), how did you get to 522? 509 with an overbore?
-Joe
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,847
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From: Tampa FL
Re: Merlin 502 in a 69 (69427-02Zo6)
69427-02Zo6 - Most everything will bolt up depending upon what mods you make. The one thing I have learned with my project is that nothing ever goes exactly as you planned it. Make sure you have all the money & plans tight before you even start. My odyssey is now 2+ years & growing. Don't go there unless you are VERY serious.
Flareside - Correctimundo. My engine builder prefers to use bore instead of stroke so we can get higher rpm's. This thing will crank somewhere around 7,500 rpm & stay alive. Power isn't a problem since we can just crank up the boost. The next engine I build is a tall deck 700CI turbo. Much less clearance headaches & WAY bigger motor...
Flareside - Correctimundo. My engine builder prefers to use bore instead of stroke so we can get higher rpm's. This thing will crank somewhere around 7,500 rpm & stay alive. Power isn't a problem since we can just crank up the boost. The next engine I build is a tall deck 700CI turbo. Much less clearance headaches & WAY bigger motor...
